2021 Daily Devotion - Day 380

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It was said that Henry Ford was an automotive genius. He came up with great ideas and handed them to researchers for development. One of his ideas was the concept of an engine in which the pistons were set at an angle to each other, rather than in a straight line. He sketched out his idea for the V-8 motor and took it to his engineers. After he left, they looked it over and shook their heads for the boss’ ignorance of basic engineering. Somebody volunteered to tell him that his idea was impossible. Ford said, “Do it anyway and stay at it until you succeed.” It took over one year and many designs, but eventually, Ford’s researchers came up with the design of the most powerful automobile engine known to us today. His refusal to acknowledge the impossible laid the foundation for turning an idea into a working design.

We need to have this kind of strong determination. Every aspect of our lives would improve if we could move from seeing mostly problems to anticipating what is possible. As a pastor, in the life of the church, I have had more times than I would like to remember of people telling me a project was either impossible, or something we were working on could never happen.

A long time ago, I chose to never look at life from the negative perspective. I believe we can choose this outlook, because of God and how powerful He is. The Word of God and my life experiences have taught me God can do absolutely anything. We need to be about the business of seeking His will and purpose. And then in prayer, work to carry it out with a very hopeful outlook. You will be amazed just how many times the impossible will become possible.

Psalm 52:8 NRSV
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, in this verse, the Psalmist gives us a wonderful picture for seeing ourselves. We need to see ourselves as green, growing, and full of life and possibilities. We can do this because of Your “steadfast love”, which we find in our Lord Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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